The flashing lights of a
police car in a rear view mirror fill many drivers with dread.
"Am I really being pulled over?" you might wonder.
Although no one likes being pulled over, it's essential to show a
law enforcement officer that you're cooperating. From the moment
those lights come on, the officer is observing your behavior, and
the way you respond may affect whether or not you receive a ticket.
So as soon as you see those flashing lights behind you, turn on
your right turn signal and pull over to the right as quickly -- but
also as safely -- as possible. It is important to make sure
that you are able to pullover in a place that is safe, flat and
solid. Again, it's important to show the officer that you're
cooperating, and by stopping safely as near where the violation
occurred, you may have a better sense of what happened. You will
also be able to make observations about the area that can help you
if you contest the ticket, such as noting an obstructed speed limit
sign or that a new yield sign is in place.

Once you have safely
pulled over, turn off the engine, roll down your window all the way
and place your hands on the steering wheel. Do not get out of
the truck unless asked by the officer. If it's dark, turn on the
interior lights in your truck. Don't make any sudden movements, and
don't rummage through your belongings looking for your wallet until
you are asked for documentation. Remember that law enforcement
officers are killed every year while conducting routine traffic
stops, so it's understandable that an officer may treat you with
suspicion. Respond accordingly by being cooperative and do not give
any cause for alarm.

It's OK to greet the
officer, but it's wise to wait for the officer to ask you a
question. He or she will likely ask for your driver's license, medical
certificate, logbook and vehicle registration. It's important to
give the officer these documents when asked and not question why.
However, if you are pulled over by an unmarked car or aren't sure
if the person is a police officer, it's acceptable to wait to roll
down your window until the person has identified himself or herself
as an officer.

When talking with the
officer, don't admit any guilt. It's acceptable to give simple yes
or no answers to questions. If an officer decides to give you a
ticket, his or her mind is already made up, and it's very unlikely
you'll be able to argue your way out of it. Anything you say could
later be used in court, should you choose to contest the ticket, so
be mindful of what you say. Never try to bribe the officer -- this
is not only highly unethical but it is also a crime.

During a traffic stop, an
officer can only search your truck if there's probable cause to
believe you're concealing something illegal or if he or she
believes that you are dangerous. Before approaching a motorist he
or she has pulled over, an officer usually looks for movement by
the driver, such as one shoulder dipping down, something that would
indicate that the driver is attempting to hide something underneath
a seat or in a compartment.

If an officer asks you to
get out of your truck, it's once again important to cooperate. Once
you are out of the truck, the officer may pat you down, and if
anything illegal or suspicious is found, he or she may then search
your truck. If your truck becomes impounded, it can then also be
legally searched.

An officer might ask you to sign your ticket, but
depending on state law, you may not have to. Signing a ticket is
not an admission of guilt. It just means that you agree to pay the
fine or to appear in court.

When
you have a citation in your hand, what are your options?

Guilty
Plea: You could just pay it which is a guilty plea and go on
down the road unless the judge demands you show up in court.

Not-Guilty
Plea: You could plead not guilty and get a court date, where
you could return to the court and defend yourself.

Ignore
the Citation: You could just ignore it and hope it goes
away. This is NOT recommended as the law enforcement
will eventually catch up with you and suspend your license and
fines will be increased with penalties.

What about the citation
received during an inspection where the officer writing the
citation is judge, jury and executioner?

In that situation you can
do a DataQ Challenge, but you will need to provide all the
documentation you can as well as present your case. Know the
regulations as this will help you determine if you have a chance in
fighting the violation. Whenever possible cite regulation to
substantiate your position.. If you can convince the officer
he made a mistake, then he will remove or reduce the citation and
the points on your CSA.

There is a driver shortage
out there right now; however a lot of that shortage is caused
because carriers refuse to hire drivers with too many points on the
CDL or CSA. You should do a DataQ Challenge on any inspection
you receive where the officer puts points on your CSA that you are
in disagreement with.

Always follow the law and
be a safe driver, but if the time comes when you do receive a
citation, be smart about the steps you take afterward and it could
save you money and your career.

An
Emergency Vehicle is approaching...

DO...

Pull
to the nearest edge of the roadway and come to a complete stop
until all emergency vehicles have passed.

Be
alert to the approach of more than one emergency
vehicle. Be sure to check your rear-view mirror before
pulling back on the travel lane.

Keep
the volume of your radio to a level that will not interfere
with your ability to hear approaching emergency vehicles.

Use
your turn signal when pulling off the road. This sends a
message to the emergency vehicle operator that you are aware
of his presence.

DON'T...

Block
any intersection. Blocking intersections, even when
attempting to yield to an emergency vehicle is dangerous.

Follow
an emergency vehicle responding to an emergency closer than
500 feet. It's against the law!

Stop
on a bridge, curve or crest of a hill, instead, activate your
turn signal and proceed forward until you can safely pull over
and come to a complete stop.

Slam
on you brakes or stop directly in front of an emergency
vehicle. Large trucks require more stopping distance
than a passenger car. Stopping abruptly in front of any
large vehicle can have deadly consequences.

Safe Driving Tips for Summer Time Weather Conditions

Tornado

Do
not drive during tornado conditions.

Never
try to out-drive a tornado in a vehicle. Tornadoes can change
direction quickly and can lift a car or truck and toss it
through the air.

Get
out of your vehicle immediately and seek shelter in a nearby
building.

If
there is no time to get indoors, or if there is no nearby
shelter, get out of the car and lie in a ditch or a low-lying
area away from the vehicle. Over passes also can be places of
refuge, however, be aware of the potential for flooding.

Severe
Thunderstorms and Lightning

Tune
in to your radio to stay informed of approaching storms.

If
you see a tornado or hear a tornado warning, don't try to
outrun it. View tornado driving safety tips.

Turn
on your headlights (low beams) and slow down. Many states require
the use of headlights during rain.

Allow
extra distance for braking.

Do
not drive unless necessary.

Pull
safely onto the shoulder of the road away from any trees that
could fall on the vehicle.

Stay
in the car and turn on the emergency flashers until the heavy
rains subside.

An
automobile provides better insulation against lightning than
being in the open.

Avoid
contact with any metal conducting surfaces either inside your
car or outside.

Avoid
flooded roadways.

Avoid
downed power lines.

Check
your windshield wipers and tires regularly to insure that they
are ready for severe weather.

Approach
intersections with caution.

Treat
traffic lights at intersections as stop signs.

April
17, 2015

Follow Idealease online for current industry news

Final Rule Regarding the Use of Electronic Versions of
the Federal Drug Testing Forms

Published in today's
Federal Register is the Department of Transportation's Final Rule
regarding the use of electronic versions of the Federal Drug
Testing Custody and Control Form (eCCF). You can access the
Federal Register documentHERE.

Now is the Time for all Drivers to Tune Up their Pre-
and Post-Trip Inspection Skills.Roadcheck
2015 will take place on June 2-4, 2015

Starting June 2,
approximately 10,000 specially-trained and certified officers will
blanket North America's roadways to prevent truck and bus crashes
and save lives. For the past 28 years, the Commercial Vehicle
Safety Alliance's (CVSA) annual Roadcheck event dispatches federal,
state, provincial and local inspectors to conduct North American
Standard Inspections around the clock for 72 hours from June 2-4.
These inspections involve a comprehensive 37-step procedure which
includes items related to vehicle, driver and cargo safety.
Inspectors also hand out educational materials to drivers on
various aspects of commercial vehicle, driver and hazardous
materials safety.

Idealease, its members
and the National Private Truck Council NPTC will again be hosting
safety seminars in 2015. The one day seminars this year will focus
on basic safety and compliance, regulation changes and CSA.
The seminars and will be provided to all Idealease customers,
potential customers and NPTC members at no charge. The
seminar provides important information applicable for both the
novice and experienced transportation professionals.

The Idealease
Safety Bulletin is provided for Idealease affiliates and their
customers and is not to be construed as a complete or exhaustive source
of compliance or safety information. The Idealease Safety Bulletin
is advisory in nature and does not warrant, guarantee, or otherwise
certify compliance with laws, regulations, requirements,
or guidelines of any local, state, or Federal agency and/or
governing body, or industry standards.